SharonKingWorldWide August Newsletter Back-to-School Edition
Dear SharonKingWorldWide Family,
Happy August! A new school year is just around the corner, bringing fresh opportunities, new teachers, new goals, and new beginnings. Whether this is your child’s first year in school or you’re preparing for another school year,
remember this: you are your child’s greatest advocate. Preparation today can make the entire school year run more smoothly.
At SharonKingWorldWide, our mission is to empower families with reliable information, practical resources, and the confidence to advocate for every child. We want this newsletter to be a resource you can return to throughout the school year whenever you need guidance.
August Parent Back-to-School Checklist
☐ Review your child’s IEP before school begins.
☐ Review your child’s Section 504 Plan (if applicable).
☐ Verify all accommodations and modifications.
☐ Confirm special education services and therapy minutes.
☐ Review transportation services, if applicable.
☐ Update emergency contacts.
☐ Submit all medication and medical forms.
☐ Review your child’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), if one exists.
☐ Make copies of all school and medical documents.
☐ Save digital copies in Google Drive or another secure location.
☐ Create a parent advocacy binder.
☐ Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and case manager.
☐ Learn who the principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, school counselor, school nurse, and special education staff are.
☐ Review your procedural safeguards and parental rights.
Review Your IEP Carefully:
Before signing an IEP, ask yourself:
• Are all accommodations included?
• Are therapy minutes accurate?
• Are behavioral supports listed?
• Are assistive technology supports included?
• Are transportation services correct?
• Are goals measurable and meaningful?
• Does the IEP accurately reflect your child’s strengths and needs?
Remember:
You do not have to sign an IEP immediately.
Take it home.
Read it carefully.
Write down your questions.
Request clarification or changes if needed.
You are an equal member of the IEP team.
Section 504 Plans
Some students may qualify for a Section 504 Plan instead of an IEP.
Common accommodations include:
• Extended testing time
• Preferred seating
• Scheduled breaks
• Bathroom access
• Health and medical accommodations
• Modified assignments
• Organizational supports
• Assistive technology
Know Your School District
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is become familiar with your entire school district, not just your child’s school. While teachers, case managers, principals, and assistant principals are often your first point of contact, they are not the final authority.
If your child is not receiving the services, accommodations, or supports outlined in their IEP or Section 504 Plan, or if your concerns are not being addressed at the school level, don’t stop there. Learn who your district’s Director of Special Education, Program Specialists, Student Services administrators, Section 504 Coordinator, Transportation Department, and Family Engagement Office are. These district rleaders can often help resolve concerns and ensure your child’s educational rights are protected.
Remember, the school is not your last resourcetheschool district is an important partner inyour child’s education.
Organize Your Records
Keep a binder with:
• IEPs
• Section 504 Plans
• Evaluations
• Progress reports
• Report cards
• Medical records
• Emails
• Behavior reports
• Attendance records
• Assessment results
• Communication logs
Keeping organized records helps you advocate effectively and provides a clear history of your child’s educational journey.
Parent Advocacy Reminder
Communicate professionally and respectfully.
Whenever possible, communicate through email so there is written documentation.
After important phone conversations or meetings, send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed.
Keep copies of emails, evaluations, reports, and correspondence.
A well-organized paper trail promotes accountability and helps protect your child’s educational rights.
Advocacy is not about creating conflict it is about ensuring your child receives the support and services they need to succeed.
Mental Health Matters
Back-to-school transitions can be stressful for many children and families.
Watch for signs of:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional dysregulation
• School avoidance
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory overload
• Changes in mood or behavior
Seeking support early can make a significant difference. Caring for your child’s mental health is just as important as supporting their academic success.
Build Strong School Partnerships
Take time to get to know your child’s:
• Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Case Manager
• Principal
• Assistant Principal
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• School Nurse
Positive relationships and respectful communication can help build a successful school year.
Emergency Information
Ensure the school has current information regarding:
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Seizure disorders
• Medication schedules
• Elopement concerns
• Behavioral triggers
• Emergency contacts
Review this information regularly throughout the school year.
Important Special Education Resources
National Resources
• Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
https://www.parentcenterhub.org
• Understood
• Wrightslaw
• Autism Society of America
• Autism Speaks
• PACER Center
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
California Resources
• California Department of Education – Special Education
• Disability Rights California
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org
• California Department of Developmental Services
• California Regional Centers
Mental Health Resources
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Child Mind Institute
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Assistive Technology
Ask your school about supports such as:
• Speech-to-text
• Text-to-speech
• Grammarly
• Kami
• Read&Write
• Audiobooks
• Visual schedules
• Communication devices
Technology can increase independence and support student success.
Remember Your Rights
Parents have the right to:
• Request an IEP meeting at any time.
• Request evaluations.
• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) when appropriate.
• Review educational records.
• Ask questions.
• Disagree with recommendations.
• Bring an advocate or attorney to meetings.
• Record meetings where permitted by law with proper notice.
Knowledge is one of your greatest tools as an advocate.
This Month’s Family Challenge
Spend time talking with your child before school begins.
Ask:
“What are you excited about?”
“What are you nervous about?”
“How can I support you this year?”
Listening with patience and compassion builds trust and confidence.
Closing Thoughts
A Message from SharonKingWorldWide
To every parent, caregiver, grandparent, family member, educator, and advocate:
Thank you for showing up every day with love, courage, and determination. Advocacy is not always easy, but every question you ask, every meeting you attend, every email you send, and every moment you spend standing up for your child makes a difference.
Never underestimate the power of your voice. Together, we are creating stronger families, stronger communities, and brighter futures for children with disabilities. Continue believing in your child, continue believing in yourself, and remember that you are never alone on this journey.
From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, successful, and joyful school year.
With love and gratitude,
Sharon Mae King
Founder & CEO
SharonKingWorldWide